Karunanidhi went on a surprise fast in Chennai on Monday morning demanding a ceasefire in Sri Lanka. And the 85-year-old Tamil Nadu Chief Minister managed to wrench out an assurance from Sri Lanka on cessation of hostilities.

While the DMK has said it is a victory for Tamils, the Opposition has called it a drama.

If there were any doubts about the Sri Lankan Tamil issue becoming an emotive issue in this election, this picture of Karunanidhi on a fast is the answer.

"I am willing to be the first to sacrifice my life for the Tamil cause," the DMK leader said.

Ignoring his doctor's advice, the 85-year-old Chief Minister took everyone by surprise with this fast.

"All DMK MPs have sent telegrams to the President, Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister," DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran said.

The pressure worked. Seven hours later, the DMK Chief got a reason to end his fast.

"As Sri Lanka has assured cessation of hostilities, I am ending my fast," Karunanidhi said as the news of Sri Lankan government ending its offensive reached him.

The Rajya Sabha MP from the state and Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi termed the decision as 'a victory for all Tamils'.

However, the Opposition has termed Karunanidhi's move as a drama. MDMK general secretary Vaiko termed it 'a fraud aimed at hoodwinking the people'.